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A '''catechumen''' is one who is preparing for [[baptism]] in the Church. In modern usage, ''catechumen'' can also refer to one who is preparing for [[chrismation]] (or another form of reception) to be received from a [[heterodox]] Christian communion.
In the ancient Church, the catechumenate often lasted for as much as three years and included not only participation in the divine [[services]] but also [['''catechesis]]''', formal instruction from a teacher, often the [[bishop]] or appointed [['''catechist]]'''. [[Exorcist]]s often performed the catechetical role, as well, following their initial prayers of [[exorcism]] over the one being made a catechumen, which is the traditional manner of receiving a catechumen into the community of the Church.
Catechumens are understood to be Christians upon beginning their catechumenate, and should they die before baptism, they are traditionally given an Orthodox [[funeral]].